Chapter 31

Swords in the water

- During the great flare, waves that touched the sky swept across the known world -

The trio spent the next few minutes bathing, cooling their bodies and drinking their fill of fresh water. The current was strong but it was not strong enough to carry them away.

Thonavar was first to his feet. Jumping out of the water, albeit reluctantly, he sat on a rock bathed in a patch of sunlight, drying himself.

"Come. We must move on. We have spent too long here," said Thonavar, his tone urgent. He wrung the water from his sleeves.

But Chaeron still lounged in the water, putting some in his mouth before spitting it out violently.

"Oh, the water is too good Thonavar," said Chaeron, playfully. "I wish we could just stay here."

"And fail to make the journey to Sanctum in time? Come on Chaeron," said Thonvar, shaking his head. "We must go now. Where is Lyla?"

"Over here," called out Lyla from behind a nearby tree.

"We must go Lyla," said Thonavar. "Time is short. We are significantly behind time and will need to double the pace to catch up on progress."

At this Chaeron’s face fell.

"This is my fault," said Chaeron. "I am not as strong as the two of you. You should carry on without me."

"We needed a rest Chaeron," said Thonavar, reassuringly. "It was good for us to make a stop. We will not leave anyone behind."

“Look what I found," said Lyla, emerging from behind the tree.

Lyla struggled, dragging out a what looked like a giant piece of tree bark. The long piece of bark had an exterior that was dark brown and rough, but an interior that was a smooth brown in colour. The bark piece was thick and long in length but narrow in width. Thonavar’s eyes widened and he caught Lyla’s gaze as she looked to the river. He understood immediately and he felt a familiar tingle of excitement. A smile came to his lips. Chaeron however, did not follow.

"What is that Lyla? Wait, what are you doing?"

Lyla ignored Chaeron’s question and Thonavar proceeded to help her push the giant bark piece into the river. Sliding into the water from the bank with a gentle splash, the giant piece floated immediately. However, as soon as it hit the water, the current began to sweep it away downstream.

Realisation dawned upon Chaeron.

"Aha! Tis’ a barkboat," he gasped. Upon grasping the plan, he moved quickly to help them, his face barely containing his excitement.

The three of them waded into the middle of the stream, guiding the bark piece into position. The bark-covered part of the bark piece lay submerged underwater whilst its smooth light brown surface made a good sitting area. The water was up to their necks. The force of the current was evident.

"I hope it can bear our weight," said Lyla.

"We shall see if it can," said Thonavar. "You first then Lyla."

"Yes, we will both hold it in place for you," said Chaeron.

Lyla climbed onto the bark piece while Thonavar and Chaeron remained in the water holding it in place, preventing it from being carried by the current. Next, Chaeron climbed aboard. The bark piece initially sank a bit but to everyone’s delight, floated up again.

"Now let us see if it can take my weight," said Thonavar, hopefully.

"You do not look heavy master Ironhand," said Chaeron. "I think you will do us proud."

Lyla scoffed shaking her head.

With Chaeron and Lyla aboard, the bark piece began to pick up speed. The current began to push the bark piece forward and Thonavar, hung onto the bark as it picked up speed. He was still in the water and the bark, carried by the force of the current, dragged him along.

"Quick now, bring me up," said Thonavar. "The current is strong."

"Take his hand Chaeron," said Lyla. "We will pull him up."

Lyla and Chaeron hauled Thonavar aboard and the bark sank a little more. Water spilled onto the surface of the bark piece. Further, with all the movement taking place aboard, the bark piece started to spin from side to side, bumping into the sides of the stream’s bank.

Grabbing two long stick branches from the bank, Chaeron handed one to Thonavar and the two of them took positions at the front and back of the barkboat, using the branches to help steer their way. Lyla, not wishing to obstruct their efforts, sat between the two. Gradually, the thick piece of bark began to stabilise.

"I think we now have ourselves a boat," said Thonavar, cheerfully. "This should take us futher along the way."

"Yes, the stream heads in the direction of the mountain," said Lyla, with a sigh. "We can rest our legs while we make headway."

"Aye," said Chaeron. "This was a good idea Lyla. Well done!"

Lyla flushed and managed a nod before looking away.

"It appears she cannot take a compliment," whispered Chaeron to Thonavar.

"I heard that," said Lyla, scowling at Chaeron.

Within minutes, the trio found themselves being swept along the stream which had deepened slightly. Peering into the water, Thonavar judged that the water was just about half a man deep.

The current gradually became stronger and Thonavar and Chaeron found that they did not need to steer the barkboat. Minutes quick turned into hours passed as the trio travelled downstream at speed.

The stream ran through the forest and the trio were glad to be under the shade of the overhanging canopies. At times, the stream narrowed to such an extent that leaves and overhanging branches from nearby plants, bushes or trees on the bank brushed their shoulders or struck them in the face. But almost always, the stream would then widen again into a large body of flowing water.

Thonavar lay on his back staring at the sky. His legs were felt weary from all the walking earlier on and he was grateful for the rest.

"So," said Chaeron suddenly, his voice piercing the silence. "What was the testing like for you both?"

Thonavar sat up, taken aback by the question. Lyla responded first.

"Was it not all the same for each of us?"

"Not quite," said Chaeron, shaking his head. "I have heard that the experience differs from candidate to candidate. What about yours Thonavar?"

"Mine? Well, it was a haunting experience," said Thonavar. "The dreamscape is no place for a child. I found it difficult to watch the playback when I stood before the council."

"The dreamscape is a dark dimension," said Lyla, her face serious. "There is more to it than you think. While we know it to be a place used to test candidates for selection into the order, I have heard it was used in the past for other terrible purposes."

Chaeron was intrigued.

"Like what?"

"I heard it was used as a prison."

"A prison?"

"You mean a stasis prison guarded by the wardens? I was almost placed into one," said Thonavar.

"Now that is a story I would like to hear," said Chaeron.

"Not a stasis prison. Stasis prisons were built to hold physical bodies. But the dreamscape was built as prison for the mind", said Lyla.

"A prison for the mind?"

"Yes, a place where one could trap the consciousness of criminals who were too dangerous to be left alone."

"Fascinating," said Chaeron. "And how do you know all this?"

"I have heard it said," said Lyla, simply. "May not be true. Believe what you will."

"And what about the council? I remember standing before them," said Chaeron. "They were not a very welcoming group. That was also frightening was it not?"

"Let me ask you Chaeron," said Thonavar. "How did the council members vote for you?"

"Ah, the lady voted for me. I think Raphina was her name. The old man, the tall and gaunt man also voted."

Lyla looked impressed. Thonavar saw her raise an eyebrow.

"Wait Lady Raphina voted for you? She is wonderful is she not?"

"Yes," continued Chaeron, "and lastly, the big man with the massive frame. Lord Beefheart was his name."

"You received four out of five votes," observed Thonavar. "That is no mean feat."

"I did," said Chaeron sheepishly. "Though I have no idea what they saw in me."

"Something great perhaps," said Thonavar. Lyla scoffed again and rolled her eyes.

"What about you Thonavar? Lyla?"

"I had Lady Raphina, Lord Beefheart and Lord Dragba," said Lyla. "So only three out of five."

"Lord Ramonth, Lord Dragba and the High Paladin," said Thonavar.

"Sailem Starlassor," said Chaeron. "I bet he does nothing but laze about all day and complain. He does say some funny things though."

At this, all three of them started laughing.

"This is true," said Thonavar, shaking with mirth.

The mood was light and Thonavar sensed a growing camaraderie between them.

"What about your projection Thonavar?"

"Well," said Thonavar quietly, annoyed at Chaeron for always asking him to share his experience. A sudden image of a woman in white falling down into a bottomless pit, screaming and flailing hopeless attacked him from memory. He shuddered inwardly before speaking.

"There was this woman. She stood upon a bridge of wood and rope, and was dressed in white," began Thonavar.

"Ah, I too faced the same challenge," interrupted Lyla, a slight smile coming on her face.

"Nay, not the same. I did not experience that," said Chaeron. "What was so frightening about this woman?"

At this Lyla looked at Thonavar, falling silent.

"Well, to cross to the other side, one is required to push her to her death", replied Thonavar, with a grim look. “I did not do such a thing, however. Instead, I attempted to carry her across. But to my dismay, she threw herself off. I could not save her. The memory of her fluttering white robes still haunts me."

Chaeron nodded solemnly, unsure of what to say.

"I see something ahead," said Lyla suddenly, sticking her head round the frame of Chaeron who was sitting at the front. The playful and open mood evaporated in an instant. "It appears to be some kind of obstruction."

"Yes, I see it too," said Chaeron, peering ahead. "It appears to be a tall yellow grass of some kind."

Thonavar got up slowly to take a look, careful not to rock the bark. True enough, he saw tall and thick blades of grass growing out of the water some distance away. Something seemed strange and he grew uneasy.

"I think we should stop and go ashore. We can walk until we are past the grass and then continue on water again," said Thonavar, his senses tingled.

"It is only grass Thonavar. We can go right through," said Chaeron.

"I think we go ashore now," said Thonavar urgently. They were now nearing the front line of yellow grass. "Something does not seem right."

"Thonavar, calm yourself. Chaeron is right. It is only grass," said Lyla reassuringly.

"What? Lyla agreeing with me? Now that is rare indeed," chuckled Chaeron.

Thonavar ignored them both. Something seemed strange about the yellow blades of grass. It was the way they were placed. They stood out defiantly as if giving out a warning…

The grass loomed in front of them.

Thonavar was about to take Chaeron’s advice and resume his seat when he saw it.

A glint of sunlight flashed upon the tip of a particularly long blade of grass which was stood as still as a statue.

Thonavar shouted a warning desperately.

"Get off the boat!"

But Lyla and Chaeron stared back at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"That is not grass! Those are sharp blades!"

Things happened very fast.

Lyla surged to her feet, eyes widening in shock, and Chaeron leapt back in fear with a curse, colliding into Lyla. They both cannoned into Thonavar and with all the weight suddenly transferred to one end, the bark flipped over, throwing them into the water. Thonavar came to the surface of the water just in time to see the barkboat, carried by the current, ram into the tall long yellow grass which cut into the bark, almost tearing a large chunk of it off.

However, that was the least of his concerns, for at that very moment, the current was pulling him toward the razor-like yellow grass. At the side of his peripheral vision, he could just make out Lyla and Chaeron struggling similarly.

An idea struck him. They were too far in the middle of the stream to swim to the bankside. If they tried to do so, the current would pull them toward the yellow grass and they would be dashed into pieces. There was only one option they had. But it was a very risky one. He shouted his instructions to Chaeron and Lyla.

"Swim toward the barkboat!"

Chaeron shouted back.

"You must be mad!"

Thonavar saw that both Lyla and Chaeron were in state of panic and their faces were white with fear. They were desperately swimming and fighting against the current but were slowly losing ground. Both looked at helplessly at Thonavar who looked back at the yellow grass.

They will soon be swept away.

Thonavar saw other bits of branches and leaves borne by the current sliced into neat halves upon reaching the yellow grass-blades. But the barkboat was thick and strong and did not shred into pieces.

Thonavar shouted again.

"Watch me!"

Chaeron nodded vigorously. Lyla was fast losing strength but she too managed a quick nod.

Feeling that their lives rested on this strategy of his, Thonavar took a deep breath. He stopped struggling against the current and turned around. Immediately, the current dragged him forward and he hurtled toward the razor grass. However, turning his head round, he did not lose sight of the giant barkboat in the middle. Water surged forward with elemental ferocity.

Swimming with the current, Thonavar made for the barkboat. He reached it and, slamming into the bark, he felt air leave his stomach in a gush. He was right. It was a forest of deadly yellow blades coming up from within the water. Slightly winded, Thonavar quickly observed that the bark was held in place by a single blade which was trapped by the thickness of the bark. It was the only thing preventing the bark from becoming shredded.

Thonavar turned back to his friends. He shouted.

"Come on! One at a time."

Both of them looked absolutely terrified, and neither moved.

"Do not worry! I will catch you, even if you miss the barkboat slightly!"

Chaeron shouted.

"You go first Lyla!"

But Lyla shook her head.

Thonavar could see that she did not want to give up.

She intends to fight the current till the end.

"No time! Chaeron come! It is the only way!"

With a desperate cry, Chaeron turned around and launched himself forward. Like Thonavar, he swam toward the bark. However, the force of his launch accelerated his movement forward and it seemed as if he would just miss the bark. The grass rose to meet him, and his eyes widened in fear.

Thonavar’s hand grabbed his shirt and pulled him to the side in the nick of time. He had to shout for his voice to be heard above the roaring waters.

"Hold onto my hand and move toward the bark!"

He had wedged his feet into a hole in the bark and had extended his body out over the water to reach Chaeron. Chaeron found himself still being dragged forward but he clung to Thonavar’s hand fiercely and pulled himself along Thonavar’s body to the barkboat.

Thonavar felt as though his hand was about to break. His leg that was wedged into the hole in the bark felt as though it was about to snap too. Then upon reaching the barkboat, Chaeron helped Thonavar to steady himself. The two then turned to Lyla who floundered helplessly, still fighting the current.

This time it was Chaeron’s turn to shout.

"Come on Lyla! Let go! Thonavar is right. It is the only way!"

Thonavar joined him.

"Lyla! Listen to me! Your strength is fading! Swim toward us! Let the current carry you to us!"

Lyla still continued swimming frantically against the current. The force of her desperate movements against the current were keeping her in the same place but her strength was fading and she knew this too.

Thonavar and Chaeron watched on helplessly. They could do nothing to help.

This is not good.

Suddenly, with a high-pitched scream, Lyla turned around and swam desperately toward the bark. But the current pulled her furiously toward the grass.

"She is not going to make it," said Chaeron, a look of fear in his eyes. "Quick! Take my leg in your hand and do not let go. I will reach out for her."

Thonavar nodded grimly and as Chaeron swam out, Thonavar grabbed his ankle. He saw Chaeron catch Lyla who clung fiercely to him. But the current pulled Chaeron and Lyla toward the grass. Thonavar pulled hard on Chaeron’s ankle toward the barkboat. Thonavar’s arm felt as if it were on fire. Chaeron grabbed the barkboat and flung Lyla’s body toward it. The barkboat sagged under their weight but held firm.

But they were still not out of trouble yet.

Examining the blade of sharp grass that was stuck in the thick part of the barkboat, Thonavar saw that it would not be long before the force of the current ensured that the blade cut past the thick part of the bark. They would then be swept into the jungle of razor-like grass and be cut to pieces.

Suddenly, the rushing water slowed, becoming noticeably calmer. The noise of rushing water quietened. A sudden calm fell over the setting.

Thonavar was first to react. Getting slowly back into the water, he tested his movement. The current was still there but it was mild and feeble.

The tide was going out!

"Come! Quickly! Let us move ashore before we the current becomes strong again," said Thonavar. "Leave the barkboat."

"No," said Lyla. Water dripped from her hair and ran in rivulets across her eyes and face. Her breathing was ragged and her face was still pale.

"We must try to take it with us. We can drag it ashore now that the water is still. The barkboat is a good method of travel. We have covered much distance with it. If we can repair it, we can still travel upon it."

"Lyla is right," said Chaeron, pointing into the distance. "Look, the river still leads to the mountains in the distance."

"With this," continued Lyla. "We will be able to reach the mountain well before the third day. Well before any of the others. And we will be more careful lest we see any more yellow grass. Is this not a good plan?"

Thonavar was still coming to terms with the frightening experience that the trio had endured a moment ago which had almost cost them their lives. But Lyla had a point. They had covered much ground with the barkboat.

"Let us continue with the barkboat," said Thonavar with a nod.

Lyla slid into the water cautiously but found that the current was truly feeble.

The three of them worked carefully to dislodge the large piece of bark and guided it to shore. They each worked quickly knowing that if the tide came back in, they would be in serious trouble. In the process of dislodgment, a small section of the barkboat was shorn off. Nevertheless, although the bark was now slightly shorter from its original width, Thonavar gauged that it was still just enough for the three of them to sit upon.

Upon reaching the shoreline, Lyla fell to her knees, exhaustion coming over her. Both Thonavar and Chaeron instantly rushed to her side. Thonavar knew she was drained after her desperate fight against the current.

"Come Lyla," said Thonavar gently, as he and Chaeron helped Lyla to her feet. "You can walk. Chaeron and I will carry the barkboat. We shall carry it over our heads and walk along the bank till we are past the yellow grass. Then we shall once more use the barkboat," said Thonavar reassuringly. Thonavar too was nearing exhaustion point. He already felt as if all his strength had left him.

"No. I will do my part," said Lyla defiantly as Chaeron pulled her to her feet. She nodded her thanks and stood up.

Taking the edges of the barkboat, the three of them lift the bark over their heads and began their walk along the sides of the bank, exhausted, silent and grim.

A sudden thought came into Thonavar’s head, and he turned to Lyla.

"The white woman. In your projection."

"What about?"

"You never told us how you approached the white woman in your projection," said Thonavar, curiously. "How did you cross the bridge?"

"I pushed her off," said Lyla, exhausted.